Dr. Louis-Michel Elie – Psychiatrist | Montréal, QC

Dr. Louis-Michel Elie, a Geriatric Psychiatrist, specializes in the mental health needs of older adults, addressing conditions such as late-life depression, anxiety, and cognitive disorders. Practicing at Centre hospitalier de St-Mary's, Psychiatrie in Montréal, QC, he is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. His practice adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines established by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). Dr. Elie's role involves comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and management of complex psychiatric conditions in the elderly, with a focus on maintaining dignity and optimizing quality of life for his patients.

He holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has accumulated over 8 years of experience as a Geriatric Psychiatrist since 2016. Through extensive postgraduate training and certification, Dr. Elie is qualified to practice in Geriatric Psychiatry in Québec, ensuring that his clinical approach aligns with current best practices and evidence-based guidelines.

Dr. Elie adopts a holistic approach to late-life mental health, considering medical, social, and environmental factors that influence his patients' well-being. He is committed to working collaboratively with families and caregivers to develop personalized treatment plans that respect the autonomy and preferences of older adults. Fluent in French, he provides care in a discreet, welcoming environment tailored to the unique needs of the senior population, aiming to preserve their dignity and independence.

Dr. Louis-Michel Elie provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:

Geriatric Psychiatry (Mental Health in Older Adults)

• Sleep Disorders in the Elderly (e.g., Insomnia, REM Sleep Behavior Disorder): Difficulties initiating or maintaining sleep, or abnormal behaviors during sleep, common in older adults and often linked to psychiatric or medical conditions.
• Grief & Bereavement in Older Adults: Coping with loss in later life, which can sometimes lead to complicated grief or depression requiring psychiatric support.

Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders

• Specific Phobias (e.g., heights, animals, injections): Intense, irrational fear of a specific object or situation that poses little or no actual danger.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts or images (obsessions) and repetitive, ritualistic behaviors (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety.

Mood Disorders

• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): A type of depression related to changes in seasons, most commonly beginning in the fall and continuing through the winter months.
• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) / Clinical Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep, and difficulty concentrating, significantly impairing daily functioning.

This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Louis-Michel Elie for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

• Treatment of Psychotic Disorders (Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder) with Antipsychotics: Management of schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders using first and second-generation antipsychotic medications, including long-acting injectables where appropriate.
• Psychopharmacological Management & Medication Optimization: Prescribing, monitoring, and adjusting psychotropic medications (e.g., antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, anxiolytics, stimulants) to treat various mental health disorders, focusing on efficacy, tolerability, and minimizing side effects.
• Couples & Family Therapy (psychiatric context): Providing therapy to couples or families to address relationship dynamics, communication problems, and the impact of mental illness on the family system.
• Management of Psychosis in the Elderly: Careful diagnosis and management of late-onset psychosis or psychotic symptoms related to other medical or neurological conditions in older adults.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) - Skills Training / Informed Therapy: Providing DBT-informed therapy or facilitating DBT skills groups to help individuals manage intense emotions, reduce self-harming behaviors, and improve relationships, particularly for borderline personality disorder.
• Supportive Psychotherapy: A therapeutic approach aimed at reducing distress, reinforcing coping mechanisms, and improving adaptive functioning through a supportive therapeutic relationship.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Elie for care relevant to your specific mental health needs.

All psychiatric services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant psychiatric care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Centre hospitalier de St-Mary's, Psychiatrie is situated in Montréal's Côte-des-Neiges Central (UdeM area) neighborhood, within a dedicated psychiatric unit of a larger healthcare facility. The practice is easily accessible via public transit, including the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) network, with convenient access to Métro and Bus services. Located close to Marché Maisonneuve, the facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, some with direct access to the building, ensuring ease of access for patients and their families. The setting is designed to be discreet and welcoming, emphasizing confidentiality and personalized care for older adults.

Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Elie, a Geriatric Psychiatrist, covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Geriatric Psychiatrist like Elie are generally covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC when a referral from a family doctor is in place. Coverage for psychotherapy services provided by a psychiatrist can vary; some provinces cover it, while others may have limitations or it may be part of hospital-based programs. Specific medications may also require special authorization or be subject to formulary restrictions. It's crucial to discuss coverage specifics for therapy or any specialized treatments with Elie's office or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).

Do I need a referral to see Elie, a Geriatric Psychiatrist?

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another medical doctor (e.g., a pediatrician for child psychiatry, or an ER physician for urgent assessment) is almost always required to see a Geriatric Psychiatrist such as Elie for services covered by the provincial health plan. Mental health conditions often benefit from initial assessment by a primary care provider who can determine the need for specialist psychiatric care. The referral ensures coordinated care, appropriate triaging, and transfer of relevant medical history.

How can I prepare for my first appointment with Elie?

For your first psychiatric appointment with Elie, it's helpful to gather some information beforehand. Try to make a list of your main concerns, symptoms (including when they started, how often they occur, and their intensity), and any significant life events or stressors. Bring a list of all current medications (psychiatric and non-psychiatric), including dosages, as well as any past psychiatric medications you've tried and your experience with them. Information about your family history of mental health conditions can also be very useful. Be prepared to discuss your personal history, social situation, and coping strategies. Writing down any questions you have for Elie can also ensure you get the most out of your consultation.

When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like Elie?

A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Elie is typically considered when mental health symptoms are severe, persistent, complex, or not responding adequately to initial treatments provided by a family doctor or therapist. This can include: thoughts of suicide or self-harm; severe depression or mania; psychosis (hallucinations, delusions); debilitating anxiety or panic attacks; complex PTSD; severe OCD; suspected bipolar disorder or schizophrenia; treatment-resistant depression; or when medication management by a specialist is indicated. Psychiatrists are also consulted for diagnostic clarification and comprehensive treatment planning, especially for co-occurring conditions.

What is the main difference between a Psychiatrist like Elie and a Psychologist?

The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Elie, is a medical doctor (MD) who has completed medical school and then specialized residency training in psychiatry. Because they are physicians, psychiatrists can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe and manage psychotropic medications, and provide various forms of psychotherapy. They can also order medical tests to rule out physical causes of psychiatric symptoms. A Psychologist typically has a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology and is trained in psychological assessment, diagnosis, and providing psychotherapy (talk therapy). Psychologists generally cannot prescribe medication in Canada, though they often work closely with psychiatrists or family doctors who do.

Does Elie have experience with mental health issues in older adults (geriatric psychiatry)?

Yes, as a Geriatric Psychiatrist, Elie has specialized training and experience in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions in older adults (typically 65+). This includes late-life depression, anxiety, psychosis, behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), and managing psychiatric issues in the context of multiple medical comorbidities and polypharmacy. He understands the unique presentations and treatment considerations in this age group.

What if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Elie?

It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Elie will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Elie or his office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Elie, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Elie can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.

Centre hospitalier de St-Mary's, Psychiatrie
3830 av Lacombe
Montréal, QC H3T 1M5

Phone: (514) 345-3511 | Fax: (514) 734-2609

The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.

Dr. Elie is a licensed Geriatric Psychiatrist regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from a family physician or another medical doctor is typically required for consultations with Dr. Elie for services covered by the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=96177